A Patriotic Dessert That Even Sam Would Approve—Grudgingly
These Star-Spangled S’mores Cupcakes are here to bring a little Muppet-style pride to your party table. Inspired by Sam the Eagle (America’s most serious bird), this recipe layers chocolate, graham cracker, and fluffy marshmallow into one ridiculously fun treat. They’re perfect for a July 4th party or if you just love s’mores! They deliver all the patriotic flavor—no fireworks required.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic s’mores flavor with a patriotic twist.
- Uses a chocolate cake mix for quick prep.
- Fluffy marshmallow frosting is light, sweet, and so fun to pipe.
- Crushed graham crackers add that perfect campfire crunch.
- Topped with S’mOREOS and flags—perfect for parties or themed events.
- These Star-Spangled S’mores Cupcakes are kid-approved and Muppet-inspired.
- Great for 4th of July, Memorial Day, or any red-white-and-blue celebration.
Ingredient Notes
- Chocolate Cake Mix – Any standard 15.25 oz box works. Use your favorite brand—devil’s food or dark chocolate both taste great here.
- Buttermilk – Makes the cupcakes extra moist and rich. If you don’t have any, mix 1 cup milk with 1 tbsp vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Graham Cracker Crumbs – Stirred into the batter for that classic s’mores flavor in every bite. You can crush sheets yourself or use pre-ground crumbs.
- Marshmallow Creme – Also called marshmallow fluff. It gives the frosting that gooey campfire sweetness without the mess of real marshmallows.
- S’mOREOS – A limited-edition Oreo with graham-flavored cookies and marshmallow/chocolate filling. If you can’t find them, use regular Oreos or mini s’mores marshmallows for topping.
- American Flag Picks & Patriotic Liners – Not required, but highly encouraged for the full Sam-the-Eagle effect.
Before You Bake
Can I make these Star-Spangled S’mores Cupcakes ahead of time?
Yes! Bake and frost them up to one day in advance. Add the S’mOREO and flag toppers just before serving to keep them crisp.
What can I use if I can’t find S’mOREOS?
Regular Oreos work great, or try topping with mini marshmallows, chocolate chunks, or crushed graham crackers for a similar flavor vibe.
Do I need to refrigerate cupcakes with marshmallow frosting?
Nope—these are safe at room temp for a day or two. If your kitchen is hot, store them in a covered container in a cool spot.
Can I use homemade chocolate cake batter instead of a mix?
Totally! Use your go-to chocolate cupcake recipe and stir in the graham cracker crumbs before baking.
Sam the Eagle’s Star Spangled S’mores Cupcakes
Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 box chocolate cake mix
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 eggs
- 1/2 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
For the Marshmallow Frosting:
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) salted butter, softened
- 1 jar (7 oz) marshmallow creme (like Fluff)
- 2 cups powdered sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1–2 tbsp milk (as needed)
Toppings:
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a cupcake pan with patriotic cupcake liners. In a mixing bowl, combine the chocolate cake mix, buttermilk, oil, and eggs, then stir in vanilla and graham cracker crumbs.
- Divide batter into the liners and bake 16–18 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
- Beat butter and marshmallow creme until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and vanilla. Add milk as needed for a fluffy consistency.
- Pipe or dollop frosting on cooled cupcakes. I used a piping bag fitted with a round tip. Top with a half of a S’mOREO and an American Flag pick.
FAQ
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes! Just double all ingredients and bake in batches, or use a second muffin pan if you have one. Great for big 4th of July gatherings!
What’s the best way to get bakery-style frosting swirls?
Use a piping bag fitted with a large round or star tip. Chill your frosting for 10–15 minutes before piping to help it hold shape if it’s warm in your kitchen.
Can kids help make these cupcakes?
Definitely! Let little ones crush the graham crackers, mix the batter, or decorate with flags and cookies. It’s a great summer baking activity.
How can I make the cupcakes even more festive?
Add red, white, and blue sprinkles or pop a sparkler (unlit until serving) in the top for extra fun.
Do I need to sift the powdered sugar for the frosting?
It’s optional, but sifting will give you a smoother, fluffier texture—especially helpful if you want those perfect frosting swirls.
Sprinkle of Fun
Turn your kitchen into a concession stand and plan a 4th of July movie night after baking these Star-Spangled S’mores Cupcakes! Set up a red, white, and blue snack board, hand out sparklers for intermission, and queue up one (or a few) of these themed favorites:
National Treasure – Because nothing says America like Nicolas Cage stealing the Declaration of Independence.
Captain America: The First Avenger – Patriotic and action-packed. Bonus points if you serve cupcakes during the Star-Spangled Man montage.
The Sandlot – Classic summer nostalgia with fireworks, baseball, and s’mores energy.
Independence Day – Aliens. Explosions. President speeches.
The Muppets – Because Sam the Eagle deserves his own feature moment, and honestly, the whole gang brings the fun.
Make it a backyard setup with blankets and lawn chairs—or keep it cool indoors with popcorn and a cupcake tower.
Grab More Summer Treats
Ready for summer? Grab your copy of Ohana Eats—my tropical-inspired eCookbook packed with sweet and savory island-style recipes. Perfect for luau vibes, movie nights, and sunshine snacking! [Download it here!]
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